A nature-based approach to fighting erosion along the Choctawhatchee Bay has wrapped up after years of work, with 2,000 feet of living shoreline now protecting parkland and wildlife habitat on Okaloosa Island.
- The project, funded through a combination of tourism revenue and federal grants totaling $4.6 million, shields Veterans Park and Marler Park from erosion while supporting the ecosystem in the surrounding waters.
“This unique landscape is home to so many species that we need to protect,” said Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel. “This living shoreline will supplement their success, the health of our bay and extend the life of these wonderful parks.”
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at Ross Marler Park on Okaloosa Island.
Living shorelines differ from traditional barriers like seawalls by using natural materials and vegetation to stabilize coastlines. The approach costs less than conventional methods and can actually expand the shoreline over time while reducing long-term maintenance expenses.
Funding for the project came from three sources: $1.5 million in tourism bed tax revenue, a $1.5 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and $1.6 million from the RESTORE Council through the Gulf Consortium.
Vice Chairman Drew Palmer credited the collaborative effort behind the project.
- “I want to thank the engineers, project managers, coastal scientists and grant specialists who worked together to complete this project and ensure that our shorelines are protected for the future enjoyment of the public,” Palmer said.
Commissioner Sherri Cox framed the work in simpler terms: “It’s never wrong to be good stewards of the blessings that surround us, and thankfully, this now includes our shoreline.”
2 Responses
It will protect the shoreline from erosion but eventually the beach area will be unusable. The same thing was done years ago on the Pcola side of the Pcola bridge and its marshland now.
While I applaud the effort to start a living shoreline, I would like to suggest that waterfront home owners such as myself, be able to have this application behind our homes. I am on Joe’s Bayou, and if the wake action of vessels continues, my efforts will fail. I will gladly have the living shoreline put in. I will give up a sandy beach for the sake of the marine animals in need of reeds for nurseries. My existing reeds are losing the battle to remain.